"Aren't there major problems with a newly-opened het-oriented disco on Broadway discrimination against gays? Don't they know that that's illegal now? Isn't there going to be a major protest soon?

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An article in Windy City Times begins:

"Mayor Richard M. Daley made good on one of his campaign promises to the gay and lesbian community by hiring an open lesbian to a leadership position in his administration.

"Daley has appointed Nancy Reiff to be a special assistant to the mayor. Reiff was Daley's campaign liaison to the gay and lesbian community last fall and winter and has served in a number of gay and lesbian organizations in the past."

1999

Chicago's Lesbigaytrans Youth Niteclub, Fuel, opens July 21, and is held once a month, hosted by Kathleen and Julie, at Hoxie's, 1801 W. Lawrence.

"Cher is a queer. Not a lesbian, a queer. She's got more gay in her bejeweled fingers than we do between our legs. She is gay in a sequined gown, a jiggy-jiggle pop-tart who flaps her wings, flips us out and frappes our panting, picked hearts." – Michael Alvear.

And:

"I've never regretted anything I've said, even the stuff about being a male prostitute. I'm not ashamed of it. It was necessary for at that time in my life. I was going for a career in acting, but I wasn't completely successful. So I became a male escort." – Rupert Everett

GLBT Christians and Rev. Dr. Mel White hold a Prayer Vigil outside Exodus Conference Site at Wheaton College followed by an Affirming Worship Service with prominent and inspirational speakers at National Lewis University Room 4400, 200 S. Naperville Rd., Wheaton.

2004

A Letter to the Editor in Gay Chicago:

"Congratulations to Art Johnson for recently designing a nonsmoking room at Sidetrack.

"It is a pleasure to be in a public place where nonsmokers do not have to be exposed to the growing list of health hazards associated with second hand smoke. Because of the Sidetrack nonsmoking space, people at risk for respiratory diseases, cancer and meeting the challenges of living with HIV do not need to have their health compromised until Chicago joins New York, California and hundreds of other places which now ban smoking in public spaces. It's so nice not to stink of smoke and have your eyes feel like someone spilled acid in them after a few hours out.

"Thank you Art and Sidetrack for being civic leaders by putting the health of your employees and customers first. Perhaps some other businesses (hint, hint) will follow your lead. A lot of people I know hope so." – Terry Cosgrove.

+++

IMAGE: Victor/Victoria at Annex 2 – Gay Chicago December 16, 1982

Gay Chicago's Calendar of Events:

"Wednesday, July 21: A benefit party for Chicago Riptide Water Polo Team will be held at Sidetrack in the glass bar. Roscoe's movie and dinner night features the screening of "Shrek" with a sloppy joe special. Starring Angelique Munro, Takiya Valentinpo, Teri Yaki, Regina Upright, Tajma Hall and Taylor Roberts, "Hy-Drag Revue," will be held at Hydrate. Dancers John, Jeremy, Kevin and Bryan wow the crowd at Madrigal's. The North End shows the Cubs vs. Reds game and offers free pool and taco bar. Tonight and tomorrow, Gentry on State has the talents of Kathryn Payne in the cabaret. Paul Marinaro is joined by John Paluch at Gentry on Halsted today and tomorrow."

Homework

Who is or was Takiya Valentinpo?

Is Paul Marinaro still around?

Is Sue Deaunym still around?

Gay Chicago Photo Rewind

Spike King photographs around town for Gay Chicago January 5, 1989

Sherman Heinrich photographs Little Jim's 14th anniversary party

Spike King photographs "Dancin' With Pride" for Gay Chicago June 22, 1989

Kirk Williamson and Chuck Kramer around town for Nightspots June 1, 2005

Thanks go to publishers Michael Bergeron for Chicago Gay Crusader, Ralph and Craig Gernhardt for Gay Chicago, Grant Ford and Chuck Renslow for Gay Life, Malone Sizelove for Babble/Gab, David Costanza and others for Chicago Free Press, Jeff McCourt for Windy City Times, Stacy Bridges and Mark Nagel for GRAB, and Tracy Baim for all the publications at the Windy City Media Group, which aided the above research. St. Sukie de la Croix is an internationally published reporter, playwright, photographer and historian. He is also the author of Chicago Whispers: A History of LGBT Chicago Before Stonewall published by the University of Wisconsin Press.

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COMMENTS

Paul Marinaro is most definatelt still around and more popular than ever. He has released 2 critically acclaimed albums, and has appeared all over the country. His NYC debut at Birdland last fall was a smashing success and sold out! He just celebrated his birthday in Chicago with 2 sold out shows at Winter's Jazz Club.